Seventy years after their first wedding, Bob Wenrich and Fay Gable have proven that true love can stand the test of time — even after decades apart. The couple, now 94 and 89 respectively, recently tied the knot for the second time, delighting family and friends with their heartwarming love story.
Their journey began in 1951, when 16-year-old Fay married 21-year-old Bob under a tree in a relative’s backyard. They had four children and built a life in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where Bob ran a painting business and Fay worked as a nurse. But after 24 years of marriage, the couple divorced in 1975, later marrying other spouses.
Fay Gable and Robert Wenrich pose with their new wedding rings. Photo courtesy of Parkhill Jewelry
Despite the split, Bob and Fay remained friendly, attending family events together. “A lot of times, divorce is bitter and painful, and people never get past it,” said their youngest daughter, Carol Smith. “But our parents did. They’d even sit together in the same pew at church.” Years later, after both of their second spouses passed away, Carol noticed a spark reignite between her parents during family card games.
They started hanging out together a lot, and it was obvious they really enjoyed each other’s company,” she said.
Fay initially told Bob she wanted to remain friends, but he wasn’t deterred. “I told her, ‘We’ll see about that,’” Bob said, recounting their playful banter. Their romance blossomed over shared trips to the casino, where Bob jokingly declared Fay his “good luck charm” after a jackpot win.
“We reconnected like two teenagers,” Fay said. “We got to know each other all over again.” When Fay casually mentioned her hesitation about changing her last name, Carol was quick to act. “I said, ‘Does that mean you’re getting married?’ and my mom said, ‘Yes, it does,’” Carol said. She immediately booked a venue and pastor, coordinating a December wedding that brought the entire family together.
Bob Wenrich and Fay Gable exchanged wedding vows for a second time in front of about 80 friends and family members. Photo by Daisy K Photography
On the big day, Fay wore a champagne-colored dress with a wrist corsage, while Bob donned a navy suit with a white rose in his lapel. About 80 loved ones gathered for the ceremony, which featured a nod to their favorite pastime—a wedding cake adorned with playing cards and poker chips. The couple’s first dance was to Floyd Cramer’s instrumental hit, The Last Date.
Reflecting on their journey, Fay and Bob chose not to dwell on their past differences. “It’s something we no longer discuss—we were just different people then,” Fay said. “We learned to forgive and forget.” Bob agreed, saying, “Everything sort of fell into place to bring us back together.”
Their story has captured hearts beyond their family, with strangers recognizing them from social media posts and congratulating them in person. “It brings people to tears,” Carol said. “They all just say that’s what they need to hear.” As for Bob and Fay, they’re savoring their time together. “She was my first love,” Bob said. “We’re not going to waste any time now that we’re back together.”
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Sources: Washington Post | Lancaster Online
